Japan’s Most Famous Fashion Designers

I started studying Japanese language and culture at
university in Australia when I was seventeen.
At the same time, I worked part-time for a very popular fashion company
called SABA. This is where I started to appreciate high-end fashion by Japanese
designers and I began to understand why fashion is such an important part of a
country’s culture. Most of the clothes at SABA were upmarket but reasonably
expensive. Their designs were also extremely sought-after by men and women of
all ages and therefore we were always busy. I was very lucky to work there for
about four years and I enjoyed every moment. Joseph Saba, the man behind the
label, has been described as “arguably the most creative force in Australian
fashion”.

I now live in the UK but I visited Australia a few years ago
for a couple of weeks and although SABA was acquired by the Apparel group in
2005, I still thought SABA was the best place to shop.

Many years ago when I was working for this popular retail
brand, most of the clothes were sold under the SABA label but at that time SABA
also sold a selection of elite items in their flagship store from Japanese
designers such as Comme des Garçons by Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto and Issey
Miyake. I was very young when I worked at SABA so the older and more
experienced sales assistants used to look after any customers who were
interested in buying these exclusive pieces. However, this didn’t stop me from admiring
the quality and aesthetic beauty that each piece represented. A few years later
when I lived in Tokyo, I bought several pieces from all three designers and I
know they’ll always be absolute classics which will never go out of fashion. By
the way, my favourite Japanese designer is Yohji Yamamoto – I think his designs
are just as clever as they are beautiful.

There are many famous Japanese fashion designers that I
could mention but I have always been drawn to Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto
and Issey Miyake, probably because of my experience working with these brands
at SABA. These designers are world famous. They have been around for decades
but each item in every collection is timeless. As well as this, each fashion
piece is a work of art and a good investment. If you’re in Tokyo take the
Omotesando subway (Chiyoda, Ginza, Hanzōmon lines) exit A5 to visit the
flagship stores in Minami-Aoyama for all three designers.

Yamamoto is known for his innovative style and billowing
navy and black designs. Step into his store in Minami-Aoyama and you’ll see
what all the fuss is about. Try on the clothes and you’ll become an instant
fan. Up close, the cut and the stitching on each of his designs will amaze you
and leave you incredulous. Walk in his designs and you’ll feel like you’re
wearing a piece of art. Yamamoto has collaborated with Adidas, Hermès,
Mandarina Duck and many well-known celebrities.

The Comme des Garçons label was started by Rei Kawakubo in
1969. Many of the designs have a distressed look, allowing the feminine to be
blended with the masculine. Kawakubo’s designs often have a sculptured look
about them. They are presented in monochromatic tones and they are never
tight-fitting or revealing. Fabric is the most important consideration at the
start of each design and each design is structured to allow the individual to
express themselves and stand out in the crowd. Kawakubo’s designs were
particularly popular in the 1980s because they represented strength and power.

Issey Miyake studied graphic design at university and this
explains the reasoning behind his technological innovations. His Pleats Please
collection became instantly popular in the early 90s. Each piece is made of
100% polyester fabric and it doesn’t need to be ironed, making it extremely functional.
Steam is used to create each fold in an origami-like fashion. Issey Miyake is
currently using 3D steam stretch fabric to create even more futuristic designs.
The perfume L’eau d’Issey is a bestselling scent that has become a symbol of
sophistication.

Renae is an Australian-born British novelist and writer of Japan-related fiction and non-fiction and the author of 'Tokyo Hearts: A Japanese Love Story' and 'Tokyo Tales: A Collection of Japanese Short Stories' at cherryblossomstories.com.